Grand Seiko SBGX261 Review
If you're a fan of the Rolex Explorer as well as Grand Seiko, but can't fathom spending the 7,000-10,000 USD it takes to buy an Explorer, the 2,000 USD SBGX261 is for you. Now, before we go any further, the SBGX261 is a 9F quartz, not an automatic. I know for some, that would be a deal breaker. For me, it was a positive. This has a lot of the characteristics of why I like the Rolex Explorer as well as the same Grand Seiko characteristics I love. The case of the SBGX261 is 37mm and has an "Oyster style" design. The black dial is a backdrop to the incredibly polished silver hands and indices, and it has 100m of water resistance.
Like the Rolex Explorer, the SBGX261 looks great on natos as well as on bracelet. And for someone who almost exclusively wears my watches on natos, this is a big plus, although I will say that I really enjoyed wearing it on bracelet (which is pretty much unheard of for me).
There's a lot to love about the SBGX261. The size, the case design, the indices, hands, the comfortable bracelet are the big features. Overall, it's finished impeccably well (you'd expect nothing less from GS) and quite frankly, at around 2K USD (and even cheaper on the secondary market) it's an amazing deal for such a well finished watch.
Now, I'm a fan of 9F quartz. If you have done any digging on 9F quartz, you'll know that it ain't your grandpa's timex quartz movement. I love it. In the 3 months I owned it, I don't think it lost a second of time.
In conclusion, the SBGX261 has a lot of the attributes that I love about the Rolex Explorer, but at the same time, is something all its own. It's the perfect intersection of my love for the Grand Seiko design and the romance of the Explorer, all for a quarter of the price. In my opinion, it represents great value!
Grand Seiko SBGX261 Review
Yes
No
- Finishing
- Oyster style case
- Razor sharp hands
- Gorgeous indices
- 100m water resistance
- 9F quartz is awesome
- Comfortable bracelet
- No micro adjust for the bracelet (knocks a star off for wearability)
- Quartz may not be for everyone
- Push/Pull crown
- No lume (not a big deal for me, but could be a big con for a lot of people)
Current collection: Seiko SARB033, Seiko SBSA057, Seiko SZSB011
Awesome! thank you for the review!
The lack Arabic numerals makes it look nothing like an Explorer IMHO
The lack Arabic numerals makes it look nothing like an Explorer IMHO
Right. This watch isn't an Explorer homage. I think the SBGX261 has enough of the Grand Seiko DNA, that it's a watch that stands on its own apart from the Rolex Explorer. However, I think it's a fantastic Explorer alternative. It's roughly the same size (37mm vs. 36mm), the case design of the GS is very similar to the Oyster case of the Explorer, both have 100m water resistance and you're getting highly polished silver hands and indices against a black dial (similar to what the Explorer does). Essentially, I think if you're a fan of the Explorer like I am, but paying the premium is simply out of the question, I think you can get great satisfaction from the SBGX261 (assuming you like the GS design and are cool with quartz).
Great review, thank you for sharing
I think the Sinn 556a offers the best alternative to the Explorer IMHO
Great review and cool watch! I own little in quartz but I live my GS and want more in the collection
I think the Sinn 556a offers the best alternative to the Explorer IMHO
The 556a is my favorite 556! It's one watch I've always wanted, but for some reason never have owned. That paired with an OD green nato would be great! Although, I get more of an airplane cockpit instrument vibe from it (which isn't a bad thing).
Great review and cool watch! I own little in quartz but I live my GS and want more in the collection
Thanks! I have such big respect for GS quartz. Just like their mechanical movements, they tend to under promise, but over deliver. Anecdotally, I know some people with 9F quartz that say it didn't deviate but maybe one second after 6 months (WAY better than the stated +/- 10 per year).
Great review and excellent photos. Thanks for sharing!
Solid review and great pics.
The 556a is my favorite 556! It's one watch I've always wanted, but for some reason never have owned. That paired with an OD green nato would be great! Although, I get more of an airplane cockpit instrument vibe from it (which isn't a bad thing).
I sold my 556A as time went by, I started disliking the massive numerals. Will probably pickup a 556i as it is more versatile in its appearance.
Great review and a great watch. Another one to add to the list now 🙄
Do you think having this alongside an Explorer would work given they both have black dials?
I ask as I have an Explorer as my everything work watch, but find not having a date irritating. I think this would be an amazing daily.
Do you think having this alongside an Explorer would work given they both have black dials?
I ask as I have an Explorer as my everything work watch, but find not having a date irritating. I think this would be an amazing daily.
I don't see why not. As I think you could say this is "Grand Seiko's Explorer" you could also say there's enough to differentiate it from the Explorer. The hands are a Grand Seiko staple and the high accuracy quartz is obviously different from the mechanical movement in the Explorer.
It looks fantastic on the Nato 👍
Thanks! I have such big respect for GS quartz. Just like their mechanical movements, they tend to under promise, but over deliver. Anecdotally, I know some people with 9F quartz that say it didn't deviate but maybe one second after 6 months (WAY better than the stated +/- 10 per year).
I literally love mine!
Yeah, if you want a bigger case, I believe the SBGP011 is essentially the same. As far as the lack of lume, I didn't find it frustrating at all. The only time I'm ever using lume is in the middle of the night when I wake up. I like to glance at the time. Other than that, the SBGX261 is incredibly legible in pretty much any lighting condition. Even at dusk, depending on the angle, the hands and indices will reflect and play with light so incredibly well.
hello, please what's reference of nato strap? it's very good
Love this piece. I have the discontinued white dial version and love everything about it. Like you, I’m an admirer of the Explorer, but my heart is with GS. Would never have considered wearing this on a NATO, but it works!
nice. has a bit of a men in black feel to it heheh 👍